9 Best Drugstore Foundations Under $15

Get flawless-looking skin with the best drugstore foundation picks from L'Or éal, CoverGirl, Revlon and more

When it comes to the best drugstore foundation, it really pays to find the perfect product for you. After all, not even the best eye makeup and lip products on Earth will make you look gorgeous if your skin looks blah. On the bright side, TotalBeauty.com reviewers have found that you don't have to spend a fortune to get flawless skin. In fact, there are plenty of drugstore foundation products that will give you just that. Here are some tips to find the best foundations for your skin -- even when you can't sample them ahead of time.

1. For oily skin, try a powder foundation. The powder soaks up extra shine and oil, leaving you with a matte complexion.

2. For dry skin, use a hydrating liquid foundation that adds hydration to your skin as you apply coverage.

3. No matter what your skin type, look for a drugstore foundation with sunscreen. Even the best drugstore foundation can't hide years of sun damage. Great-looking skin starts with sun protection.

4. Hold the product up to your neck or the back of your hand at the front of a store window where you can see it in natural light for the best foundation match.

5. Keep your receipt. You may not be able to sample drugstore foundations before purchasing, but most drugstores have return policies that allow you to bring back the item for a refund if it doesn't work out.

TotalBeauty.com Average Member Rating: 8.2*
Why it's great: With over 170 reviews, most readers are "pleasantly surprised" by this under-budget "luxury dupe." "The color is beautiful, [and] it applies flawlessly and evenly," says one user. "It's full coverage without the heavy, greasy, oily feel.... I've been wearing it for almost two weeks and haven't had [an] outbreak of any kind."

Another reviewer explains that this product is great "if you're a zombie in the morning and just need one all-around product where you just apply and go." Though a few fair-skinned reviewers complained about the color match, most agree this product is a drugstore favorite.

TotalBeauty.com Average Member Rating: 8.2*
Why it's great: Readers love this affordable foundation for its "beautiful and light, yet buildable coverage." One acne-prone user says, "I have gotten many compliments on my skin tone after using this. It did not cause me breakouts." Though the product doesn't agree with every user's skin, most agree that it makes skin look "natural and smooth ... flawless."

TotalBeauty.com Average Member Rating: 8.3*
Why it's great: Readers are collectively impressed with how well this foundation matches different skin tones. "This is the only foundation I've ever used that blends into my skin perfectly," one reader reports. "Even some of the more expensive foundation doesn't blend in as well. My skin is very difficult to match and I was extremely impressed." Another user adds, "This is a great product for women of color.... It's a great value, easy to apply ... and it looks natural. I love this stuff!"

TotalBeauty.com Average Member Rating: 8.3*
Why it's great: Many readers with oily skin highly recommend this sheer, buildable foundation. "[This product] has definitely improved the quality and look of my skin," says one reviewer. "I have had no recent cystic acne breakouts and a lot if the discoloration in my skin has faded." Readers also love how natural and light the product looks and feels. All of that on top of the SPF 20 makes this product a "great value."

TotalBeauty.com Average Member Rating: 8.3*
Why it's great: This product's medium-to-heavy coverage and lightweight finish have made converts out of readers who usually shy away from foundation. "My face always looks airbrushed/flawless without looking made-up or fake," writes one reader. "I also like the fact that I don't have to use a lot of this, which means it's going to last awhile! " Another reader writes, "I really love the texture -- very light, not sticky at all. It really does feel whipped, and it is light as air."

TotalBeauty.com Average Member Rating: 8.3*
Why it's great: This hydrating foundation is a hit for readers of every skin type. "This foundation is amazing!" one reader writes. "It gives my skin extra moisture and doesn't attach to any dry areas on my face. It makes my skin look smoother and softer... it's just amazing." Others rave about the product's flawless coverage. "This is a great everyday foundation," another reviewer writes. "I have heavy dark circles and not only does it even out my skin tone, I don't need a concealer when I use it. Feels very natural and light on your face."

TotalBeauty.com Average Member Rating: 8.5*
Why it's great: Readers call this "an absolute must for any woman over the age of 30." One reviewer says, "I recently saw a friend I hadn't seen for awhile and she asked if I had something done [to my face]! The only change was my foundation."

Other readers love this product simply because "it gives great, even coverage and blends in so well." Not to mention, it "gives off a pretty glow," making "skin look magical."

TotalBeauty.com Average Member Rating: 8.7*
Why it's great: This foundation's long-lasting formula is one of the many reasons it was one of Total Beauty's 2014 Readers' Choice winners. "It literally lasts all day! It looks just as good at 6 a.m. as at 6 p.m.," one reader explains.

"ColorStay goes on smoothly (no flakes!) and covers imperfections well," another fan raves. "I don't even use primer, concealer or even powder anymore." Other users love the product's "top-notch oil control, the formula, the coverage, the color selections ... everything."

TotalBeauty.com Average Member Rating: 9.2*
Why it's great: "The product is so cute," one reader gushes -- though there's much more to this Mark compact than aesthetics alone. Another reader raves, "This is an amazing full-coverage foundation that makes your skin so smooth, and it holds back oil."

One reader compares this drugstore foundation to M.A.C.'s powder foundation. "It gives me a soft, even finish that's flawless," says another reviewer. Plus, for those of you who aren't the best at blending, users assure that "the colors are very forgiving, so you don't get that orange line [on your jaw]." All things considered, it's clear why Mark takes gold.

I agree with LittleBunny. I always buy L'Oreal foundation and I never get blemishes and I think it looks good all the time. I don't care to buy a brand I've never tried. Need some sample packets of some of the top rated brands. But I must ask, WHY isn't L'Oreal represented here?